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Abstract:

A camera accessory is equipped with an accessory mount assuming a bayonet
structure with the first through the third tabs set over intervals along
a circumferential direction and projecting from an inner side of the
accessory toward an outer side. The camera accessory mount is structured
so that insertion of the accessory mount is allowed as long as the
accessory mount is inserted at a correct interlock phase without any of
the first through the third tabs coming into contact with any of three
camera body-side tabs, and that insertion of the accessory mount is
disallowed if the accessory mount is positioned at a phase other than the
correct interlock phase with at least two tabs coming into contact with
at least two of the camera body-side tabs. The first through the third
tabs extend along varying lengths along the circumferential direction.
The first tab has the greatest length. The three tabs include first side
ends, which are leading ends of the three tabs to engage the accessory
mount at the correct interlock phase and second side ends located on a
side opposite from the first side ends. When the first tab and either the
second or third tab comes into contact with two of the camera body-side
tabs at a total of two contact locations, contact achieved by the first
tab is located near the second side end thereof.

Claims:

1. A camera accessory that can be detachably engaged with a camera body,
equipped with an accessory mount assuming a bayonet structure with a
first tab, a second tab and a third tab set over intervals along a
circumferential direction and projecting from an inner side of the
accessory toward an outer side, wherein: the camera accessory mount is
structured so that insertion of the accessory mount through a camera body
mount disposed at the camera body is allowed as long as the accessory
mount is inserted at a correct interlock phase relative to the camera
body mount without any of the first tab, the second tab and the third tab
coming into contact with any of three camera body-side tabs at the camera
body mount, and that insertion of the accessory mount through the camera
body mount is disallowed if the accessory mount is positioned at a phase
other than the correct interlock phase with at least two tabs among the
first tab, the second tab and the third tab coming into contact with at
least two of the camera body-side tabs; the first tab, the second tab and
the third tab extend along varying lengths along the circumferential
direction; the first tab extends over a greatest length along the
circumferential direction; the first tab, the second tab and the third
tab include first side ends, which are leading ends of the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab rotated in a mounting direction along the
circumferential direction to engage the accessory mount inserted at the
correct interlock phase with the camera body mount, and second side ends
located on a side opposite from the first side ends; and when the first
tab and either the second or third tab comes into contact with two of the
camera body-side tabs at a total of two contact locations, contact
achieved by the first tab is located near the second side end thereof.

2. A camera accessory that can be detachably engaged with a camera body,
equipped with an accessory mount assuming a bayonet structure with a
first tab, a second tab and a third tab set over intervals along a
circumferential direction and projecting from an inner side of the
accessory circumference toward an outer side, wherein: the camera mount
is structured so that insertion of the accessory mount through a camera
body mount disposed at the camera body is allowed as long as the
accessory mount is inserted at a correct interlock phase relative to the
camera body mount without any of the first tab, the second tab and the
third tab coming into contact with any of three camera body-side tabs at
the camera body mount, and that insertion of the accessory mount through
the camera body mount is disallowed if the accessory mount is positioned
at a phase other than the correct interlock phase with at least two tabs
among the first tab, the second tab and the third tab coming into contact
with at least two of the camera body-side tabs; the first tab at the
accessory mount having been inserted at the correct interlock phase and
engaged with the camera body mount overlaps a camera body-side tab
assuming an uppermost position when the camera body is set with a
longitudinal orientation achieved by rotating the upright camera body
assuming a lateral orientation by approximately 90'; the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab include first side ends, which are leading
ends of the first tab, the second tab and the third tab rotated in a
mounting direction along the circumferential direction to engage the
accessory mount inserted at the correct interlock phase with the camera
body mount, and second side ends located on a side opposite from the
first side ends; and when the first tab and either the second or third
tab comes into contact with two of the camera body-side tabs at a total
of two contact locations, contact achieved by the first tab is located
near the second side end thereof.

3. A camera accessory according to claim 1, wherein: the first tab at the
accessory mount having been inserted at the correct interlock phase and
engaged with the camera body mount overlaps a camera body-side tab
assuming an uppermost position when the camera body is set with a
longitudinal orientation achieved by rotating the upright camera body
assuming a lateral orientation by approximately 90.degree..

4. A camera accessory according to claim 2, wherein: the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab extend along varying lengths along the
circumferential direction; and the first tab extends over a greatest
length along the circumferential direction.

5. A camera accessory according to claim 2, wherein: until the accessory
mount having been inserted at the correct interlock phase, becomes
engaged with the camera body mount with the first tab, the second tab and
the third tab rotated in the rotating direction, an area of the first tab
where the contact occurs does not overlap the camera body-side tab
assuming the uppermost position at the camera body set in the
longitudinal orientation.

6. A camera accessory according to claim 1, wherein: the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab are fixed to a main body of the camera
accessory.

7. A camera accessory according to claim 1, wherein: the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab are rotatably disposed so as to be allowed
to rotate along the circumferential direction relative to a main body of
the camera accessory.

8. A camera accessory according to claim 1, which further includes: a
restricting member that restricts a rotational range of the
accessory-side tabs along a first rotating direction and along a second
rotating direction by coming into contact with a side end of a camera
body-side tab when the accessory-side tabs are rotated in the first
rotating direction along the circumferential direction in order to engage
the accessory mount, having been inserted at the correct interlock phase
with the body mount or when the accessory-side tabs are rotated in the
second rotating direction along the circumferential direction in order to
release the accessory mount from the body mount.

9. A camera accessory according to claim 1, wherein: the restricting
member is disposed near a tab extending over a smallest length along the
circumferential direction among the first tab, the second tab and the
third tab.

10. A camera accessory according to claim 1, wherein: the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab are made up with a tab present over an
angular range of 56.5.degree. to 115.degree., a tab present over an
angular range of 172.5.degree. to 214.5.degree. and a tab present over an
angular range of 267.5.degree. to 343.5.degree. at the accessory mount
engaged with the body mount, along a clockwise direction relative to a
nine o'clock direction viewed from a rear side of the accessory mount.

11. A camera accessory according to claim 10, wherein: when the first
tab, the second tab and the third tab are rotated along the
circumferential direction by 40.5.degree. in order to engage the
accessory mount having been inserted at the correct interlock phase, with
the body mount, the accessory mount becomes engaged with the body mount.

12. An accessory mount disposed at a camera accessory according to claim
1.

13. A camera body with which a camera accessory can be detachably
engaged, equipped with a body mount adopting a bayonet structure with a
first tab, a second tab and a third tab disposed over intervals along a
circumferential edge of a circular opening at the camera body and
projecting from an outer side of the opening toward an inner side,
wherein: the body mount is structured so that insertion of an accessory
mount disposed at the camera accessory is allowed as long as the
accessory mount is inserted at a correct interlock phase without any of
the first tab, the second tab and the third tab coming into contact with
any of three accessory-side tabs at the accessory mount, and insertion of
the accessory mount is disallowed at a phase other than the correct
interlock phase as at least two tabs among the first tab, the second tab
and the third tab come into contact with at least two of the
accessory-side tabs; the first tab assumes an uppermost position when the
camera body is set upright in a lateral orientation; the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab include first side ends, which are leading
ends in a mounting direction in which the accessory-side tabs are rotated
along the circumference of the opening in order to engage the
accessory-side mount inserted at the correct interlock phase with the
body mount and second side ends, located on a side opposite from the
first side ends; and when the first tab and either the second or third
tab come into contact with two of the accessory-side tabs at a total of
two contact locations, a contact area at the first tab includes an area
near the first side end thereof.

14. A camera body according to claim 13, wherein: the opening is formed
in a front side of the camera body; and the first tab extends along the
circumference of the opening with a part thereof passing through a point
at a top center of the opening when the camera body assumes the lateral
orientation.

15. A camera body according to claim 14, which further includes: elastic
members that individually apply force to the accessory-side tabs over
ranges extending between the accessory-side tabs and the first through
third tabs, toward a rear surface of the camera body when the
accessory-side tabs are rotated along the circumference of the opening in
order to engage the accessory mount inserted at the correct interlock
phase with the body mount; and the first tab, the second tab and the
third tab include restricting portions that restrict movement of the
accessory-side tabs by coming into contact with the accessory-side tabs
having moved toward a front side of the camera body against the force
applied by the elastic members.

16. A camera body according to claim 15, wherein: a restricting portion
included in the first tab assumes a position directly above a center of
the opening along a vertical direction when the camera body is set in the
lateral orientation.

17. A camera body according to claim 14, wherein: the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab extend over varying lengths along the
circumference of the opening; and the intervals each present between two
consecutive tabs among the first tab, the second tab and the third tab,
an interval between two tabs occupying positions on two sides of a point
set at a bottom center of the opening when the camera body assumes the
lateral orientation, is largest.

18. A camera body according to claim 14, wherein: the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab are made up with a tab present over an
angular range of 76.degree. to 1130.degree., a tab present over an
angular range of 177.5.degree. to 226.degree. and a tab present over an
angular range of 304.5.degree. to 15.degree. (375.degree. along a
counterclockwise direction relative to a three o'clock direction when the
opening at the camera body assuming the lateral orientation is viewed
from a front side.

19. A camera body according to claim 18, wherein: when the accessory-side
tabs are rotated along the circumference of the opening by 40.5.degree.
in order to engage the accessory mount, having been inserted at the
correct interlock phase, with the body mount, the accessory mount becomes
engaged with the body mount.

20. A camera body according to claim 13, wherein: the camera body is
equipped with an accessory mount assuming a bayonet structure with a
first tab, a second tab and a third tab set over intervals along a
circumferential direction and projecting from an inner side of the
accessory toward an outer side, wherein: the camera accessory mount is
structured so that insertion of the accessory mount through the camera
body mount disposed at the camera body is allowed as long as the
accessory mount is inserted at a correct interlock phase relative to the
camera body mount without any of the first tab, the second tab and the
third tab coming into contact with any of three camera body-side tabs at
the camera body mount, and that insertion of the accessory mount through
the camera body mount is disallowed if the accessory mount is positioned
at a phase other than the correct interlock phase with at least two tabs
among the first tab, the second tab and the third tab coming into contact
with at least two of the camera body-side tabs; the first tab, the second
tab and the third tab extend along varying lengths along the
circumferential direction; the first tab extends over a greatest length
along the circumferential direction; the first tab, the second tab and
the third tab include first side ends, which are leading ends of the
first tab, the second tab and the third tab rotated in a mounting
direction along the circumferential direction to engage the accessory
mount inserted at the correct interlock phase with the camera body mount,
and second side ends located on a side opposite from the first side ends;
when the first tab and either the second or third tab comes into contact
with two of the camera body-side tabs at a total of two contact
locations, contact achieved by the first tab is located near the second
side end thereof; and when the access mount is positioned at the correct
interlock phase, the body mount allows insertion of the accessory mount
without any of the first tab, the second tab and the third tab of the
camera body-side tabs coming into contact with any of three
accessory-side tabs at the accessory mount, and disallows insertion of
the accessory mount at a phase other than the correct interlock phase
with at least two of the first tab, the second tab and the third tab of
the camera body-side tabs coming into contact with at least two of the
accessory-side tabs.

21. A body mount disposed at the camera body according to claim 13.

22. A camera accessory according to claim 1, wherein: the body mount
adopting a bayonet structure with a first tab, a second tab and a third
tab disposed over intervals aloe a circumferential edge of a circular
opening at the camera body and projecting from an outer side of the
opening toward an inner side, wherein: the body mount is structured so
that insertion of an accessory mount disposed at the camera accessory is
allowed as long as the accessory mount is inserted at a correct interlock
phase without any of the first tab, the second tab and the third tab
coming into contact with any of three accessory-side tabs at the
accessory mount, and insertion of the accessory mount is disallowed at a
phase other than the correct interlock phase as at least two tabs among
the first tab, the second tab and the third tab come into contact with at
least two of the accessory-side tabs; the first tab assumes an uppermost
position when the camera body is set upright in a lateral orientation;
the first tab, the second tab and the third tab include first side ends,
which are leading ends in a mounting direction in which the
accessory-side tabs are rotated along the circumference of the opening in
order to engage the accessory-side mount inserted at the correct
interlock phase with the body mount and second side ends, located on a
side opposite from the first side ends; when the first tab and either the
second or third tab come into contact with two of the accessory-side tabs
at a total of two contact locations, a contact area at the first tab
includes an area near the first side end thereof; and when the camera
accessory mount is positioned at the correct interlock phase relative to
the body mount disposed at the camera body insertion through the camera
body mount is allowed without any of the first tab, the second tab and
the third tab of the accessory-side tabs coming into contact with any of
three camera body-side tabs at the camera body mount; and at a phase
other than the correct interlock phase, insertion through the camera body
mount is disallowed with at least two tabs among the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab of the accessory-side tabs coming into
contact with at least two of the camera body-side tabs.

23. A camera accessory mount disposed at a camera accessory according to
claim 22.

Description:

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] The disclosure of the following priority application is herein
Incorporated by reference: [0002] Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-198864 filed Sep. 6, 2010

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an accessory mount and a body
mount adopting a bayonet structure, via which a camera accessory and a
camera body can be detachably engaged with each other, and a camera
accessory and a camera body with the mounts installed.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] A camera accessory, such as an exchangeable lens, and a camera body
assuming structures that allow them to be detachably engaged with each
other via a mount system adopting a bayonet structure are known in the
related art. Such a camera accessory and the camera body are allowed to
engage with each other only if the camera accessory mount is inserted
through the camera body mount at the correct interlock phase. If,
however, the user attempts to insert the camera accessory mount through
the camera body mount at a phase other than the correct interlock phase,
at least one of the three tabs at the camera accessory mount will contact
one of the three tabs at the camera body mount and thus, the camera
accessory and the camera body will not be able to engage with each other
(see Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. 2005-70712).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] When only one of the tabs at the mount of the camera accessory,
i.e., an exchangeable lens (hereafter referred to as a photographic
lens), comes into contact with one of the tabs at the camera body mount
in the mount system described in the patent reference mentioned above,
the other two tabs on the photographic lens side may be positioned
between the tabs on the camera body-side. If the user then attempts to
turn the photographic lens into the camera body in order to engage the
photographic lens with the camera body in this state, the photographic
lens mount may be allowed to rotate relative to the camera body and thus
become cross-threaded in the camera body mount. In these circumstances,
the lens may become engaged with an inclination at an angle with respect
to the camera body.

[0008] A camera accessory of the first aspect according to the present
invention, that can be detachably engaged with a camera body, is equipped
with an accessory mount assuming a bayonet structure with a first tab, a
second tab and a third tab set over intervals along a circumferential
direction and projecting from an inner side of the accessory toward an
outer side. The camera accessory mount is structured so that insertion of
the accessory mount through a camera body mount disposed at the camera
body is allowed as long as the accessory mount is inserted at a correct
interlock phase relative to the camera body mount without any of the
first tab, the second tab and the third tab coming into contact with any
of three camera body-side tabs at the camera body mount, and that
insertion of the accessory mount through the camera body mount is
disallowed if the accessory mount is positioned at a phase other than the
correct interlock phase with at least two tabs among the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab coming into contact with at least two of the
camera body-side tabs. The first tab, the second tab and the third tab
extend along varying lengths along the circumferential direction. The
first tab extends over a greatest length along the circumferential,
direction. The first tab, the second tab and the third tab include first
side ends, which are leading ends of the first tab, the second tab and
the third tab rotated in a mounting direction along the circumferential
direction to engage the accessory mount inserted at the correct interlock
phase with the camera body mount, and second side ends located on a side
opposite from the first side ends. When the first tab and either the
second or third tab comes into contact with two of the camera body-side
tabs at a total of two contact locations, contact achieved by the first
tab is located near the second side end thereof.

[0009] A camera accessory of the second aspect according to the present
invention, that can be detachably engaged with a camera body, is equipped
with an accessory mount assuming a bayonet structure with a first tab, a
second tab and a third tab set over intervals along a circumferential
direction and projecting from an inner side of the accessory
circumference toward an outer side, The camera mount is structured so
that insertion of the accessory mount through a camera body mount
disposed at the camera body is allowed as long as the accessory mount is
inserted at a correct interlock phase relative to the camera body mount
without any of the first tab, the second tab and the third tab coming
into contact with any of three camera body-side tabs at the camera body
mount, and that insertion of the accessory mount through the camera body
mount is disallowed if the accessory mount is positioned at a phase other
than the correct interlock phase with at least two tabs among the first
tab, the second tab and the third tab coming into contact with at least
two of the camera body-side tabs. The first tab at the accessory mount
having been inserted at the correct interlock phase and engaged with the
camera body mount overlaps a camera body-side tab assuming an uppermost
position when the camera body is set with a longitudinal orientation
achieved by rotating the upright camera body assuming a lateral
orientation by approximately 90°. The first tab, the second tab
and the third tab include first side ends, which are leading ends of the
first tab, the second tab and the third tab rotated in a mounting
direction along the circumferential direction to engage the accessory
mount inserted at the correct interlock phase with the camera body mount,
and second side ends located on a side opposite from the first side ends.
When the first tab and either the second or third tab comes into contact
with two of the camera body-side tabs at a total of two contact
locations, contact achieved by the first tab is located near the second
side end thereof.

[0010] An accessory mount of the third aspect according to the present
invention is disposed at a camera accessory of the first and second
aspects.

[0011] A camera body of the fourth aspect according to the present
invention, with which a camera accessory can be detachably engaged, is
equipped with a body mount adopting a bayonet structure with a first tab,
a second tab and a third tab disposed over intervals along a
circumferential edge of a circular opening at the camera body and
projecting from an outer side of the opening toward an inner side. The
body mount is structured so that insertion of an accessory mount disposed
at the camera accessory is allowed as long as the accessory mount is
inserted at a correct interlock phase without any of the first tab, the
second tab and the third tab coming into contact with any of three
accessory-side tabs at the accessory mount, and insertion of the
accessory mount is disallowed at a phase other than the correct interlock
phase as at least two tabs among the first tab, the second tab and the
third tab come into contact with at least two of the accessory-side tabs.
The first tab assumes an uppermost position when the camera body is set
upright in a lateral orientation. The first tab, the second tab and the
third tab include first side ends, which are leading ends in a mounting
direction in which the accessory-side tabs are rotated along the
circumference of the opening in order to engage the accessory-side mount
inserted at the correct interlock phase with the body mount and second
side ends, located on a side opposite from the first side ends. When the
first tab and either the second or third tab come into contact with two
of the accessory-side tabs at a total of two contact locations, a contact
area at the first tab includes an area near the first side end thereof.

[0012] A body mount of the fifth aspect according to the present invention
is disposed at the camera body of the third and fourth aspects.

[0013] A camera accessory mount the sixth aspect according to the present
invention is disposed at a camera accessory of the first or second
aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective schematically illustrating a camera body 1
compatible with exchangeable lenses and a photographic lens 2 that can be
detachably mounted at the camera body 1, in conjunction with which the
present invention may be adopted.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective schematically illustrating the structure of
the body mount 100, viewed along a diagonal direction from a front right
viewpoint relative to the camera body 1.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective schematically illustrating the structure of
the accessory mount 200, viewed along a diagonal direction from a rear
left viewpoint relative to the photographic lens 2.

[0017]FIG. 4 indicates the position at which a restricting member 262 is
disposed.

[0018]FIG. 5 indicates the positions of the body-side tabs and the
body-side gaps at the body mount 100 viewed from the front side of the
camera body 1.

[0019]FIG. 6 indicates the positions of the accessory-side tabs and the
accessory-side gaps at the accessory mount 200 viewed from the rear side
of the photographic lens 2.

[0020]FIG. 7 shows a specific state of interference (state of overlap)
between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to
230.

[0021]FIG. 8 shows another specific state of interference (state of
overlap) between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230.

[0022]FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the body-side first tab 110
expanded along the circumference in a view taken from the outer side
along the radial direction.

[0023] FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate how the state of engagement between the
accessory-side second tab 220 and the body-side second tab 120 changes as
the photographic lens 2 is mounted and dismounted.

[0024]FIG. 11 shows a specific state of interference (state of overlap)
between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to
230.

[0025]FIG. 12 shows another specific state of interference (state of
overlap) between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230.

[0026]FIG. 13 shows further another specific state of interference (state
of overlap) between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230.

[0027]FIG. 14 shows further another specific state of interference (state
of overlap) between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230.

[0028]FIG. 15 shows further another specific state of interference (state
of overlap) between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230.

[0029]FIG. 16 illustrates the relationship between the body mount 100 and
the accessory mount 200 that will manifest if an excessive external force
is applied to the photographic lens 2 along the direction matching that
of gravitational force.

[0030]FIG. 17 indicates the contact points PD and PU and the distance LS
assumed when the camera body 1 is in a lateral orientation.

[0031]FIG. 18 indicates the contact points PD and PU and the distance LS
assumed when the camera body 1 is in a longitudinal orientation.

[0032]FIG. 19 indicates the contact points PD and PU and the distance LS
assumed when the camera body 1 is in another longitudinal orientation.

[0036] In reference to FIGS. 1 through 19, the camera accessory, the
camera accessory mount, the camera body and the body mount achieved in an
embodiment of the present invention are described. FIG. 1 is a schematic
perspective of a camera body 1 compatible with exchangeable lenses and an
exchangeable lens (hereafter referred to as a photographic lens 2) that
may be detachably mounted at the camera body 1, in conjunction with which
the present invention is adopted. A shutter release button 4, an image
sensor 5 and a control circuit 6 that controls various units of the
camera body 1 are disposed at the camera body 1. Reference numeral 3
indicates a photographic optical path through which a subject image
departing the photographic lens 2 is guided to the image sensor 5.

[0037] A body mount 100 assuming a bayonet structure is disposed on the
front side of the camera body 1. A camera accessory, e.g., the
photographic lens 2 or a converter lens used to adjust the focal length,
is mounted at the body mount 100. On the rear side of the photographic
lens 2, a lens mount, i.e., an accessory mount 200, via which the
photographic lens 2 can be detachably mounted at the body mount 100, is
disposed.

[0038]FIG. 1 does not include detailed illustrations of the structures
adopted in the body mount 100 and the camera accessory mount 200.

[0039] A top-bottom direction, a left-right direction and a front-rear
direction are defined as indicated in FIG. 1 for the camera body 1. FIG.
1 shows that the top-bottom direction relative to the camera body 1
matches the vertical direction.

[0040] The attitude of the camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as an
upright attitude or a lateral orientation. The attitude of the camera
body 1 assumed by rotating the camera body with the lateral orientation
by 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise viewed from the front side is
referred to as a longitudinal orientation.

[0041] --Body Mount 100--

[0042]FIG. 2 is a perspective of the body mount 100 taken along a
diagonal direction from a front right viewpoint relative to the camera
body 1. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the structure of the body mount
100. The body mount 100 adopts a bayonet structure that includes three
tabs (body-side tabs) set apart from one another along the
circumferential edge of a circular opening (photographic optical path) at
the camera body 1, each projecting inward from the outer side of the
opening circumference. Among the three body-side tabs, the body-side tab
located at the uppermost position is referred to as a body-side first tab
110, the body-side tab located next to the body-side first tab 110 along
the counterclockwise direction in the figure is referred to as a
body-side second tab 120 and the body-side tab located next to the
body-side second tab 120 along the counterclockwise direction is referred
to as a body-side third tab 130.

[0043] The space created between two consecutive body-side tabs is
referred to as a body-side gap. As explained later, body-side gaps are
used as spaces through which the tabs (accessory-side tabs at the
accessory mount 200 pass when the photographic lens 2 is mounted or
dismounted. The body-side gap between the body-side third tab 130 and the
body-side first tab 110 is referred to as a body-side first gap 151, the
body-side gap located next to the body-side first gap 151 along the
counterclockwise direction in the figure is referred to as a body-side
second gap 152 and the body-side gap located next to the body-side second
gap along the counterclockwise direction is referred to as a body-side
third gap 153.

[0044] The surface of the body-side first tab 110 facing toward the front
side of the camera is referred to as a first tab front surface 113, the
side end of the body-side first tab 110 facing the body-side second gap
152 is referred to as a first tab first side end 111, and the side end of
the body-side first tab 110 facing the body-side first gap 151 on the
clockwise side relative to the body-side first gap 151 in the figure is
referred to as a first tab second side end 112. Likewise, the surface of
the body-side second tab 120 facing toward the front side of the camera
is referred to as a second tab front surface 123, the side end of the
body-side second tab 120 facing the body-side third gap 153 is referred
to as a second tab second side end 121 and the side end of the body-side
second tab 120 facing the body-side second gap 152 is referred to as a
second tab second side end 122. The surface of the body-side third tab
130 facing toward the front side of the camera is referred to as a third
tab front surface 133, the side end of the body-side third tab 130 facing
the body-side first gap 151 is referred to as a third tab first side end
131, and the side end of the body-side third tab 130 facing the body-side
third gap 153 is referred to as a third tab second side end 132.

[0045] The first side ends 111, 121 and 131 at the body-side first through
third tabs are tab ends formed toward the direction in which the lens
mount is mounted (mounting direction), whereas the second side ends 112,
122 and 132 at the body-side first through third tabs are tab ends formed
toward the direction in which the lens mount is dismounted (dismounting
direction).

[0046] The rear surface of the body-side first tab 110 in FIG. 2 is
referred to as a body-side first tab rear surface. In the subsequent
description, the body-side first tab rear surface will be referred to in
conjunction with reference numeral 114. Likewise, the rear surface of the
body-side second tab 120 and the rear surface of the body-side third tab
130 are respectively referred to a body-side second tab rear surface and
a body-side third tab rear surface, which will be respectively referred
to in conjunction with reference numerals 124 and 134.

[0047] A body mount reference surface 101 is a ring-shaped flat surface
formed so as to face toward the front side. As the photographic lens 2 is
mounted at the camera body 1, the body mount reference surface 101 comes
into contact with an accessory-side mount reference surface 201 of the
accessory mount 200, which is to be described in detail later, thereby
limiting the position assumed by the photographic lens 2 along the
front-rear direction.

[0048] A fitting portion 202 of the accessory mount 200, to be detailed
later, fits at an inner cylindrical circumferential surface 102 of the
cylindrical body mount 100. The circumferential surface 102 is used as a
reference surface, in reference to which the optical axis of the
photographic lens 2 is aligned with the optical axis of the camera body 1
(the central axis of a photographic optical path 3).

[0049] A pin (not shown) projects out or retracts through a pin hole 161
formed at the body mount reference surface 101. The pin projecting out
through the pin hole 161 disallows rotation of the mounted photographic
lens 2 relative to the camera body 1, i.e., the body mount 100 locks the
photographic lens 2 in place.

[0050] --Accessory Mount 200--

[0051]FIG. 3 is a perspective schematically illustrating the structure of
the accessory mount 200 viewed along a diagonal direction from a rear
left viewpoint relative to the photographic lens 2, FIG. 3 shows the
accessory mount 200 with the photographic lens 2 fully mounted at the
camera body 1 (mounting complete state), i.e., in a photographing-enabled
state. This means that the top-bottom and left-right direction of the
accessory mount 200 shown in FIG. 3 matches the top-bottom, left-right
direction of the camera body 1. Unless specifically noted, the following
description is given by assuming that the top-bottom, left-right
direction of the accessory mount 200 is the direction in the mounting
complete state.

[0052] The accessory mount 200 adopts a bayonet structure that includes
three tabs (accessory-side tabs) set apart from one another along the
circumferential direction, each projecting toward the outer circumference
of the mount. Among the three accessory-side tabs, the accessory-side tab
located at the uppermost position is referred to as an accessory-side
first tab 210, the accessory-side tab located next to the accessory-side
first tab 210 along the clockwise direction in the figure is referred to
as an accessory-side second tab 220 and the accessory-side tab located
next to the accessory-side second tab 220 along the clockwise direction
is referred to as an accessory-side third tab 230.

[0053] The space created between two consecutive accessory-side tabs is
referred to as an accessory-side gap. As explained later, accessory-side
gaps are used as spaces through which the body-side tabs pass when the
photographic lens 2 is mounted or dismounted. The accessory-side gap
between the accessory-side first tab 210 and the accessory-side second
tab 220 is referred to as an accessory-side first gap 251, the
accessory-side gap located next to the accessory-side first gap 251 along
the clockwise direction in the figure is referred to as an accessory-side
second gap 252 and the accessory-side gap located next to the
accessory-side second gap along the clockwise direction is referred to as
an accessory-side third gap 253.

[0054] The surface of the accessory-side first tab 210 facing toward the
rear side of the camera is referred to as a first tab rear surface 213,
the side end of the accessory-side first tab 210 facing the
accessory-side first gap 251 is referred to as a first tab first side end
211 and the side end of the accessory-side first tab 210 facing the
accessory-side third gap 253 is referred to as a first tab second side
end 212. Likewise, the surface of the accessory-side second tab 220
facing toward the rear side of the camera is referred to as a second tab
rear surface 223, the side end of the accessory-side second tab 220
facing the accessory-side second gap 252 is referred to as a second tab
first side end 221, and the side end of the accessory-side second tab 220
facing the accessory-side first gap 251 is referred to as a second tab
second side end 222. The surface of the accessory-side third tab 230
facing toward the rear side of the camera is referred to as a third tab
rear surface 233, the side end of the accessory-side third tab 230 facing
the accessory-side third gap 253 is referred to as a third tab first side
end 231 and the side end of the accessory-side third tab 230 facing the
accessory-side second gap 252 is referred to as a third tab second side
end 232.

[0055] The first side ends 211, 221 and 231 at the accessory-side first
through third tabs are tab ends formed toward the lens mount mounting
direction, whereas the second side ends 212, 222 and 232 at the
accessory-side first through third tabs are tab ends formed toward the
lens mount dismounting direction.

[0056] The rear surface of the accessory-side first tab 210 in FIG. 3 is
referred to as a accessory-side first tab front surface. In the
subsequent description, the accessory-side first tab front surface will
be referred to in conjunction with reference numeral 214 (not shown in
FIG. 3). Likewise, the rear surface of the accessory-side second tab 220
and the rear surface of the accessory-side third tab 230 in FIG. 3 are
respectively referred to as an accessory-side third tab front surface and
a accessory-side third tab front surface, which will be respectively
referred to in conjunction with reference numerals 224 and 234 (not shown
in FIG. 3).

[0057] The accessory mount reference surface 201 is a ring-shaped flat
surface formed so as to face toward the rear side, and comes in contact
with the body mount reference surface 101 when the photographic lens 2 is
fully mounted at the camera body 1.

[0058] The fitting portion 202 is a cylindrical portion that fits at the
inner circumferential surface 102 of the body mount 100 and is used for
reference when aligning the optical axis of the photographic lens 2 with
the optical axis of the camera body 1 (the central axis of the
photographic optical path 3) as explained earlier.

[0059] As the pin (not shown), which projects out or retracts through the
pin hole 161 at the body mount 100, as described above, is inserted
through a pin hole 261, rotation of the fully mounted photographic lens 2
relative to the camera body 1 (body mount 100) becomes disallowed and the
photographic lens 2 thus becomes locked.

[0060] Although not shown in FIG. 3, a restricting member 262, which
limits the rotation range of the photographic lens 2 (accessory mount
200) relative to the camera body 1 (body mount 100) while the
photographic lens 2 is mounted or dismounted, is disposed frontward
relative to the accessory-side second tab 220 near its second side end
222, as shown in FIG. 4. The restriction of the rotation range achieved
via the restricting member 262 will be described in detail later. The
restricting member 262 may be, for instance, a headed pin screwed in from
the outer side of the accessory mount 200 along the radial direction.

[0061] --Positions of Body-Side Tabs and Body-Side Gaps--

[0062]FIG. 5 indicates the positions of the body-side tabs and the
body-side gaps at the body mount 100 viewed from the front side of the
camera body 1. In reference to FIG. 5, the positions assumed by the
body-side tabs are described. In the following description, the reference
0° angular position is taken along the three o'clock direction in
FIG. 5 and various angles are assumed along the counterclockwise
direction relative to the 0° reference point.

[0063] The body-side first tab 110 extends over an angular range of
76° to 130°. The body-side second tab 120 extends over an
angular range of 177.5° to 226°. The body-side third tab
130 extends over an angular range of 304.5° to 15°
(375° range).

[0064] The sizes of the individual body-side tabs 110 to 130 can each be
indicated by the corresponding angular range along the circumferential
edge of the circular opening at the body mount 100. Namely, the body-side
first tab 110 has a 54° angular range, the body-side second tab
120 has a 48.5° angular range and the body-side third tab 130 has
a 70.5° angular range. Likewise, the sizes of the individual
body-side gaps 151 to 153 can each be indicated by the corresponding
angular range along the circumferential edge of the circular opening at
the body mount 100. Namely, the body-side first gap 151 has a 61°
angular range, the body-side second gap 152 has a 47.5° angular
range and the body-side third gap 153 has a 78.5° angular range.

[0065] An index mark 7 at the camera body 1 shown in FIG. 5 is used as a
reference mark when mounting the photographic lens 2 at the camera body
1. In the angular coordinate system defined for the tabs and gaps, the
index mark 7 assumes a 90° angular position.

[0066] --Positions of Accessory-Side Tabs and Accessory-Side Gaps--

[0067]FIG. 6 indicates the positions of the accessory-side tabs and the
accessory-side gaps at the accessory mount 200 viewed from the rear side
of the photographic lens 2. In reference to FIG. 6, the positions assumed
by the accessory-side tabs are described. In the following description,
the reference 0° angular position is taken along the nine o'clock
direction in FIG. 6 and various angles are assumed along the clockwise
direction relative to the 0° reference point.

[0068] The accessory-side first tab 210 extends over an angular range of
56.5° to 115°. The accessory-side second tab 220 extends
over an angular range of 172.5° to 214.5°. The
accessory-side third tab 230 extends over an angular range of
267.5° to 343.5°.

[0069] The ranges over which the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 extend
along the circumference of the accessory mount 200 can each be indicated
by the corresponding angular range along the circumference of the
accessory mount 200. Namely, the accessory-side first tab 210 has a
58.5° angular range, the accessory-side second tab 220 has a
42° angular range and the accessory-side third tab 230 has a
76° angular range. Likewise, the sizes of the individual
accessory-side gaps 251 to 253 can each be indicated by the corresponding
angular range along the circumference of the accessory mount 200. Namely,
the accessory-side first gap 251 has a 57.5° angular range, the
accessory-side second gap 252 has a 53° angular range and the
accessory-side third gap 253 has a 73° angular range.

[0070] An index mark 8 at the photographic lens 2 shown in FIG. 6 is used
as a reference mark when mounting the photographic lens 2 at the camera
body 1. In the angular coordinate system defined for the tabs and gaps,
the index mark 8 assumes a 130.5° angular position. This angle is
equal to a value representing the sum of 90° and a mounting angle
of 40.5° to be described in detail later.

[0071] As explained earlier, the restricting member 262 is disposed
frontward relative to the accessory-side second tab 220 near its second
side end 222. This means that the restricting member 262 is disposed near
the accessory-side second tab 220 extending over the shortest range along
the circumference of the accessory mount 200 (with the smallest angular
range along the circumference of the accessory mount 200).

[0072] --Mounting Procedure Through which the Photographic Lens 2 is
Mounted at the Camera Body 1--

[0073] The photographic lens 2 is mounted at the camera body 1 through the
following procedure. It is to be noted that the rotational position
assumed by the photographic lens 2 relative to the camera body 1 when the
axis extending along the front-rear direction through the center of the
photographic optical path 3 of the camera body 1 and the optical axis of
the photographic lens 2 are aligned with each other is to be hereafter
referred to simply as an interlock phase.

[0074] While sustaining the alignment of the axis extending along the
front-rear direction through the center of the photographic optical path
3 at the camera body 1 and the optical axis of the photographic lens 2,
the photographic lens 2 is mounted at the camera body 1 by aligning the
rotational position of the index mark 8 at the photographic lens 2 with
the rotational position of the index mark 7 at the camera body 1. When
the two index marks 7 an 8 are aligned, the photographic lens 2 and the
camera body 1 achieve a positional relation relative to each other in
which the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to
230 do not interfere with each other, as shown in FIG. 7, and the
accessory mount 200 can be thus inserted through the body mount 100 until
the accessory-side mount reference surface 201 contacts the body mount
reference surface 101. The interlock phase assumed in this state is to be
referred to as a correct interlock phase.

[0075] It is to be noted that in FIG. 7, showing a specific state of
interference (state of overlap) between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and
the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230, the accessory-side tabs are shown as
fan-shaped members in a schematic representation.

[0076] As the accessory mount 200 is inserted at the body mount 100 at the
correct interlock phase, the accessory-side first tab 210 passes from
front to back through the body-side first gap 151, the accessory-side
second tab 220 passes from front to back through the body-side second gap
152 and the accessory-side third tab 230 passes from front to back
through the body-side third gap 153. Likewise, the body-side first tab
110 passes from back to front through the accessory-side first gap 251
(no reference numeral appended in FIG. 7), the body-side second tab 120
passes from back to front through the accessory-side second gap 252 (no
reference numeral appended in FIG. 7) and the body-side third tab 130
passes from back to front through the accessory-side third gap 253 (no
reference numeral appended in FIG. 7).

[0077] As the photographic lens 2 is turned along the counterclockwise
direction viewed from the front side of the camera body 1 after the
accessory mount 200 is inserted through the body mount 100 at the correct
interlock phase, the accessory-side first tab 210 takes up a position to
the rear of the body-side first tab 110, the accessory-side second tab
220 takes up a position to the rear of the body-side second tab 120 and
the accessory-side third tab 230 takes up a position to the rear of the
body-side third tab 130. When the photographic lens 2 is turned by
40.5° relative to the correct interlock phase along the
counterclockwise direction viewed from the front side of the camera body
1, the restricting member 262 comes in contact with the second side end
122 of the body-side second tab 120, thereby preventing further rotation
of the photographic lens 2 along the counterclockwise direction. In other
words, once the photographic lens 2 is turned by 40.5° along the
counterclockwise direction from the correct interlock phase, the
accessory mount 200 becomes engaged with the body mount 100 (engagement
of the accessory-side tabs and the body-side tabs is completed) and thus,
the photographic lens 2 becomes fully mounted.

[0078] The rotational angle of 40.5°, by which the photographic
lens 2 is turned from the correct interlock phase to the phase at which
mounting of the photographic lens 2 is completed, is to be referred to as
a mounting angle. In addition, the counterclockwise turning direction
mentioned above may be otherwise referred to as a mounting direction.

[0079] When the photographic lens 2 is fully mounted, the position of the
pin hole 261 at the accessory mount 200 is aligned with the position of
the pin hole 161 at the body mount 100. The pin (not shown) projecting
out through the pin hole 161 at the body mount 100 is thus inserted
through the pin hole 261.

[0080] --Procedure Through which the Photographic Lens 2 is Dismounted
from the Camera Body 1--

[0081] The photographic lens 2 is dismounted from the camera body 1
through the following procedure. A button (not shown) disposed at the
camera body 1 is depressed so as to retract the pin mentioned from the
pin hole 261. As the photographic lens 2 is turned back to the correct
interlock phase along the clockwise direction viewed from the front side
of the camera body 1 in this state, the accessory-side tabs and the
body-side tabs become disengaged. When the photographic lens 2 is turned
to the correct interlock phase, the restricting member 262 comes in
contact with the first side end 111 of the body-side first tab 120,
thereby preventing further rotation of the photographic lens 2 along the
clockwise direction. In other words, the state shown in FIG. 7 is
resumed. Since the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs
210 to 230 do not interfere with each other at the correct interlock
position, as explained earlier, the photographic lens 2 can be pulled
forward and separated from the camera body 1. It is to be noted that the
clockwise turning direction mentioned above may be otherwise referred to
as a dismounting direction.

[0082] --State of Engagement Between Accessory-Side Tabs and Body-Side
Tabs--

[0083]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the body-side first tab 110 expanded
along the circumferential direction, taken from the outer circumferential
side of the photographic lens 2. The body-side first tab 110 includes a
tapered surface 117 formed on the side where the rear surface 114 is
located, near the second side end 112. The tapered surface 117 is formed
so as to allow the accessory-side first tab 210 to smoothly move into a
position to the rear of the body-side first tab 110 while the
photographic lens 2 is being mounted. A contact portion 115, constituted
with a surface ranging perpendicular to the direction extending from
front to rear relative to the body mount 100, is formed continuous to the
tapered surface 117 at the body-side first tab 110 on the side where the
rear surface 114 is located near the second side end 112. At the rear
surface 114, a spring 116 is disposed at a position adjacent to the
contact portion 115.

[0084] The spring 116 is an elastic member that comes in contact with the
front surface 214 (not shown in FIG. 9) of the accessory-side first tab
210 having moved into the position to the rear of the body-side first tab
110 and presses the front surface 214 rearward. With the spring 116, a
state in which the accessory-side mount reference surface 201 and the
body mount reference surface 101 remain in contact with each other at a
predetermined level of elastic force is sustained.

[0085] If an external force that would cause the photographic lens 2 to
tilt relative to the camera body 1 against the force applied by the
spring 116 is applied to the photographic lens 2 having become fully
mounted, the contact portion 115 comes in contact with the front surface
214 of the accessory-side first tab 210 to restrict any forward
displacement of the accessory-side first tab 210. It is to be noted while
the force applied by the spring 116 keeps the accessory-side mount
reference surface 201 and the body mount reference surface 101 in contact
(tight contact) with each other, the contact portion 115 is set slightly
apart from the front surface 214 of the accessory-side first tab 210.

[0086] The body-side second tab 120 and the body-side third tab 130 adopt
structures similar to that described above. Namely, the body-side second
tab 120 includes a tapered surface 127 formed on the side where the rear
surface 124 is located, near the second side end 122. A contact portion
125, constituted with a surface ranging perpendicular to the direction
extending from front to rear relative to the body mount 100, is formed
continuous to the tapered surface 127 at the body-side second tab 120 on
the side where the rear surface 124 is located near the second side end
122. At the rear surface 124, a spring 126 is disposed at a position
adjacent to the contact portion 125.

[0087] The body-side third tab 130 includes a tapered surface 137 formed
on the side where the rear surface 134 is located, near the second side
end 132. A contact portion 135, constituted with a surface ranging
perpendicular to the direction extending from front to rear relative to
the body mount 100, is formed continuous to the tapered surface 137 at
the body-side third tab 130 on the side where the rear surface 134 is
located near the second side end 132. At the rear surface 134, a spring
136 is disposed at a position adjacent to the contact portion 135.

[0088] A mark assigned with reference numeral 116a in FIG. 8 indicates the
position at which the spring 116 presses the front surface 214 of the
accessory-side first tab 210, i.e., the specific phase of the spring
force pressing position assumed at the body-side first tab 110 along the
circumferential direction. Likewise, a mark assigned with reference
numeral 126a indicates the specific phase of the position at which the
spring 126 presses the front surface 224 of the accessory-side second tab
220 along the circumferential direction, and a mark assigned with
reference numeral 136a indicates the specific phase of the position at
which the spring 136 presses the front surface 234 of the accessory-side
third tab 230 along the circumferential direction.

[0089] As indicated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the contact portion 115 is located
substantially at the top center of the body mount 100, i.e., at a 12
o'clock angular phase in FIGS. 7 and 8. The contact portion 115 is
disposed at a position set apart by a predetermined distance along the
circumferential direction from the second side end 112 of the body-side
first tab 110. The contact portion 125 of the body-side second tab 120 is
disposed at a position set apart along the circumferential direction from
the second side end 122 of the body-side second tab 120 by a distance
equal to the predetermined distance setting the contact portion 115 apart
from the second side end 112 at the body-side first tab 110. The contact
portion 135 of the body-side third tab 130 is disposed at a position set
apart along the circumferential direction from the second side end 132 of
the body-side third tab 130 by a distance equal to the predetermined
distance setting the contact portion 115 apart from the second side end
112 at the body-side first tab 110.

[0090] FIG. 10 shows a change in the state of engagement between the
accessory-side second tab 220 and the body-side second tab 120 occurring
in time series as the photographic lens 2 is mounted at the camera body 1
and then is dismounted from the camera body 1 in schematic views of the
body-side second tab 120 expanded along the circumferential direction,
taken from the outer circumferential side of the photographic lens 2.

[0091] FIG. 10A shows the accessory-side second tab 220 of the accessory
mount 200 having been inserted at the correct interlock phase, passing
through the body-side second gap 152. FIG. 10B shows the state of the
accessory-side second tab 220 and the body-side second tab 120 assumed
after the accessory-side second tab 220 passes through the body-side
second gap 152 and the accessory-side mount reference surface 201 comes
into contact with the body mount reference surface 101.

[0092] From the state shown in FIG. 10B, the photographic lens 2 is turned
along the mounting direction, causing the accessory-side second tab 220
to move into a position to the rear of the body-side second tab 120, as
shown in FIG. 10C. The accessory-side second tab 220 further moves to the
rear of the spring 126, resulting in an application of a rearward force
by the spring 126 to the accessory-side second tab 220, as illustrated in
FIG. 10D. Once the photographic lens 2 is turned from the correct
interlock phase by an extent matching the mounting angle along the
mounting direction, the restricting member 262 comes into contact with
the second side end 122 of the body-side second tab 120, as shown in FIG.
10E, thereby preventing further rotation of the photographic lens 2 along
the mounting direction.

[0093] From the state shown in FIG. 10E, the photographic lens 2 is turned
along the dismounting direction in order to dismount the photographic
lens 2 from the camera body 1. Once the photographic lens 2 is turned
along the dismounting direction by an extent matching the mounting angle,
the restricting member 262 comes in contact with the first side and 111
of the body-side first tab 110, as illustrated in FIG. 10F, thereby
preventing further rotation of the photographic lens 2 along the
dismounting direction.

[0094] --Insertion of the Photographic Lens 2 at a Phase Other than the
Correct Interlock Phase--

[0095] If the user attempts to insert the photographic lens 2 at a phase
other than the correct interlock phase (hereafter referred to as an
incorrect interlock phase), at least two tabs among the body-side tabs
110 to 130 at the body mount 100 and at least two tabs among the
accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 at the accessory mount 200 come into
contact with each other, i.e., contact is achieved at a total of at least
two locations, and thus, insertion of the accessory mount 200 through the
body mount 100 is disallowed (deterred) in the embodiment. Namely, the
insertion is disallowed in any one of the following conditions.

[0096] (1) Insertion is disallowed with contact achieved by the
accessory-side tabs 210, 220 and 230 and the body-side tabs 110, 120 and
130 at two contact locations.

[0097] (2) Insertion is disallowed with contact achieved by the
accessory-side tabs 210, 220 and 230 and the body-side tabs 110, 120 and
130 at three contact locations.

[0098] (3) Insertion is disallowed with contact achieved by the
accessory-side tabs 210, 220 and 230 and the body-side tabs 110, 120 and
130 at four contact locations.

[0099] When insertion is disallowed via two contact locations, damage to
an accessory-side tab or a body-side tab or wear of an accessory-side tab
or a body-side tab may allow the accessory to be inserted at an incorrect
interlock phase. Accordingly, accessory-side tabs and body-side tabs
contacting each other at two locations to disallow photographic lens
insertion are set to overlap each other over an overlapping angle of
11° in the embodiment. It is to be noted that the overlapping
angle of 11° simply represents an example and an optimal angle of
overlap should be set by taking into consideration the extent of damage
or wear.

[0100] The following is a detailed description, given in reference to
FIGS. 7 through 15, of the relationship with which the accessory-side
tabs 210, 220 and 230 and the body-side tabs 110, 120 and 130 contact
each other.

[0101] As can be surmised by viewing FIG. 7, if the user attempts to mount
the photographic lens 2 slightly offset from the correct interlock phase
along the counterclockwise direction in the figure, the rear surface 213
of the accessory-side first tab 210 will come into contact with the front
surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110, the rear surface 223 of the
accessory-side second tab 220 will come into contact with the front
surface 123 of the body-side second tab 120, and the rear surface 233 of
the accessory-side third tab 230 will come into contact with the front
surface 133 of the body-side third tab 130. In this case, the three
body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the three accessory-side tabs 210 to 230
will be in contact with each other and insertion of the accessory mount
200 into the body mount 100 is disallowed. This situation may arise when,
for instance, the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 in FIG. 8 are positioned
frontward relative to the body-side tabs 110 to 130.

[0102] If the user attempts to mount the photographic lens 2 offset by a
greater extent along the counterclockwise direction relative to the state
in FIG. 8 described above, the accessory-side second tab 220 will move
frontward relative to the body-side third gap 153, as shown in FIG. 11
and thus, the accessory-side second tab 220 will no longer be in contact
with any of the body-side tabs 110 to 130. However, the rear surface 213
of the accessory-side first tab 210 will be contact with the front
surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 and the rear surface 233 of
the accessory-side third tab 230 will be contact with the front surface
133 of the body-side third tab 130. In this situation, the contact
achieved by the two body-side tabs among the body-side tabs 110 to 130
and the two accessory-side tabs among the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230
disallows insertion of the accessory mount 200 through the body mount
100. Contact thus achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the
accessory-side tabs at a total of two contact locations, is indicated
with the hatched areas in FIG. 11.

[0103] A slight counterclockwise rotation of the photographic lens 2 will
alter the positional relationship (interlock phase) of the two mounts 100
and 200 relative to each other in FIG. 11 to a positional relationship
whereby the rear surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210 contacts
the front surface 123 of the body-side second tab 120, Namely, a slight
counterclockwise turn of the photographic lens 2 will allow the body-side
tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 to achieve contact
at three contact locations. If, on the other hand, the photographic lens
2 in the state shown in FIG. 11 is turned along the clockwise direction,
the rear surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210 and the front
surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 will contact each other over a
larger area and the rear surface 233 of the accessory-side third tab 230
and the front surface 133 of the body-side third tab 130 will contact
each other over a larger area.

[0104] In other words, FIG. 11 shows a state in which the contact of the
rear surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210 and the front
surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 and the contact of the rear
surface 233 of the accessory-side third tab 230 and the front surface 133
of the body-side third tab 130 achieved over the smallest contact area,
disallow insertion of the lens mount.

[0105] The rear surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210 and the
front surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 contact each other at
the interlock phase shown in FIG. 11 over an angular range, assumed by
viewing the body mount 100 from the front side of the camera body 1, of
11°.

[0106] As described in detail later, there are other situations in which
insertion of the accessory mount 200 through the body mount 100 is
disallowed via a total of two contact locations where two tabs among the
body-side tabs 110 to 130 and two tabs among the accessory-side tabs 210
to 230 contact each other. Among the plurality of states in which
insertion of the accessory mount 200 through the body mount 100 is
disallowed via a total of two contact locations where two tabs among the
body-side tabs 110 to 130 and two tabs among the accessory-side tabs 210
to 230 achieve contact, the total contact area for the two contact
locations is the smallest in two specific conditions, i.e., the state
shown in FIG. 11 and the state (not shown) achieved by rotating the
photographic lens 2 in the state shown in FIG. 11 by 11° along the
counterclockwise direction in the figure, as described below.

[0107] If the photographic lens 2 is turned by 11° from the state
of the positional relationship of the two mounts 100 and 200 to each
other in FIG. 11 along the counterclockwise direction, the contact of the
rear surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210 and the front
surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 will cease but the rear
surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210 will come into contact
with the front surface 123 of the body-side second tab 120. It is to be
noted that contact will also be achieved as the rear surface 233 of the
accessory-side third tab 230 comes into contact with the front surface
133 of the body-side third tab 130. The rear surface 213 of the
accessory-side first tab 210 and the front surface 123 of the body-side
second tab 120 will contact each other over an angular range, assumed by
viewing the body mount 100 from the front side of the camera body 1, of
11°, similar to the state shown in FIG. 11.

[0108] Thus, in this case too, contact will be achieved by the body-side
tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 at a total of two
contact locations. Among various states in which insertion of the lens
mount is disallowed via the contact achieved by the rear surface 213 of
the accessory-side first tab 210 and the front surface 123 of the
body-side second tab 120 and the contact achieved by the rear surface 233
of the accessory-side third tab 230 and the front surface 133 of the
body-side third tab 130, the accessory-side tabs and the body-side tabs
contact each other over the smallest area in this state.

[0109] Namely, while there are various insertion disallowed states, in
which insertion of the accessory mount 200 through the body mount 100 is
disallowed via a total of two contact locations where the rear surface
213 of the accessory-side first tab 210 and the front surface 113 of the
body-side first tab 110 are in contact with each other, two tabs among
the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and two tabs among the accessory-side tabs
210 to 230 contact each other over the smallest contact areas when the
two mounts 100 and 200 assume the positional relationship relative to
each other shown in FIG. 11. In addition, the smallest contact area is
also assumed in the insertion disallowed state with the photographic lens
2 turned counterclockwise by 11° relative to the state shown in
FIG. 11. The interlock phase shown in FIG. 11 and the interlock phase
assumed with the photographic lens 2 turned by 11° along the
counterclockwise direction relative to the state shown in FIG. 11 are
each referred to as a specific interlock phase.

[0110] As described above, a counterclockwise rotation of the photographic
lens 2 in the state shown in FIG. 11 will cause the rear surface 213 of
the accessory-side first tab 210 to come into contact with both the front
surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 and the front surface 123 of
the body-side second tab 120 and cause the rear surface 233 of the
accessory-side third tab 230 to come into contact with the front surface
133 of the body-side third tab 130. In other words, the body-side tabs
110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 will achieve contact at
a total of three contact locations.

[0111] As the photographic lens 2 is turned further counterclockwise in
the figure until the photographic lens 2 is rotated by 11° along
the counterclockwise direction relative to the state shown in FIG. 11, as
described above, the rear surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210
and the front surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 will cease to be
in contact with each other and thus, the number of contact locations
where the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to
230 contact each other will be reduced to two.

[0112] As the photographic lens 2 is turned further along the
counterclockwise direction in the figure, the state shown in FIG. 12 will
be achieved.

[0113] As can be surmised by viewing FIG. 12, a slight counterclockwise
turn of the photographic lens 2 will alter the positional relationship
between two mounts 100 and 200 shown in FIG. 12, causing the rear surface
223 of the accessory-side second tab 220 to come into contact with the
front surface 133 of the body-side third tab 130. In other words, contact
will be achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230 at a total of three contact locations. A further
counterclockwise turn of the photographic lens 2 will again alter the
positional relationship of the two mounts 100 and 200 described above,
causing the rear surface 233 of the accessory-side third tab 230 to come
into contact with the front surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110 as
well. In this situation, contact will be achieved by the body-side tabs
110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 over a total of four
contact locations.

[0114] As the photographic lens 2 is turned further counterclockwise, the
rear surface 233 of the accessory-side third tab 230 and the front
surface 133 of the body-side third tab 130 will cease contact with each
other and then, the rear surface 213 of the accessory-side first tab 210
and the front surface 123 of the body-side second tab 120, too, will
cease contact with each other. In other words, contact will be achieved
by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230
at a total of two contact locations under these circumstances, as shown
in FIG. 13.

[0115] A further counterclockwise turn of the photographic lens 2 will yet
again alter the positional relationship of the two mounts relative to
each other shown in FIG. 13, causing a decrease in both the contact area
over which the rear surface 223 of the accessory-side second tab 220 and
the front surface 133 of the body-side third tab 130 are in contact with
each other and the contact area over which the rear surface 223 of the
accessory-side third tab 230 and the front surface 113 of the body-side
first tab 110 are contact with each other. In other words, FIG. 13 shows
a state in which the contact is achieved between the rear surface 223 of
the accessory-side second tab 220 and the front surface 133 of the
body-side third tab 130 and between the rear surface 233 of the
accessory-side third tab 230 and the front surface 113 of the body-side
first tab 110, over the largest contact area, disallowing insertion of
the lens mount 200.

[0116]FIG. 14 shows a state achieved by turning the photographic lens 2
along the counterclockwise direction relative to the state shown in FIG.
13. Among various states in which insertion of the lens mount is
disallowed via the contact achieved by the rear surface 233 of the
accessory-side second tab 220 and the front surface 133 of the body-side
third tab 130 and the contact achieved by the rear surface 233 of the
accessory-side third tab 230 and the front surface 113 of the body-side
first tab 110, the accessory-side tabs and the body-side tabs contact
each other over the smallest area in this state. As the figure indicates,
the contact area over which a pair of tabs contact each other in this
state is greater than the 11° contact area shown in FIG. 11.

[0117] A slight counterclockwise turn of the photographic lens 2 relative
to the state shown in FIG. 14 will allow the rear surface 213 of the
accessory-side first tab 210 and the front surface 133 of the body-side
third tab 130 to come into contact with each other. At this time, contact
will be achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230 at a total of three contact locations. As the
photographic lens 2 in this state is turned further along the
counterclockwise direction in the figure, the rear surface 233 of the
accessory-side third tab 230 and the front surface 123 of the body-side
second tab 120 will come into contact with each other. In this state,
contact will be achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the
accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 at a total of four contact locations. As
the photographic lens 2 in this state is turned further along the
counterclockwise direction in the figure, the rear surface 223 of the
accessory-side second tab 220 and the front surface 133 of the body-side
third tab 130 will cease contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 15. At
this time, contact will be achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and
the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 at a total of three contact locations.

[0118] As the photographic lens is slightly turned along the
counterclockwise direction relative to the state shown in FIG. 15, the
rear surface 223 of the accessory-side second tab 220 and the front
surface 113 of the body-side first tab 110, will come into contact with
each other but substantially simultaneously, the contact of the rear
surface 233 of the accessory-side third tab 230 and the front surface 113
of the body-side first tab 110 will cease. As the photographic lens 2 is
turned further along the counterclockwise direction in the figure, the
correct interlock phase shown in FIG. 7 will be reestablished and any
contact (interference) between the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the
accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 will cease.

[0119] The bayonet structure achieved in the embodiment as described above
disallows accessory insertion with contact achieved by the accessory-side
tabs and the body-side tabs at least at two contact locations. The
smallest angle of overlap with which an accessory-side tab and a
body-side tab overlap each other is set to a value greater than that in
the related art. More specifically, the smallest angle of overlap is set
to 11° As a result, erroneous insertion of the accessory can be
reliably prevented even if the tabs become damaged or worn.

[0120] --Accessory-Side Third Tab 230--

[0121] When contact is achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the
accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 at a total of two contact locations with
the accessory-side third tab 230 in contact with a body-side tab at one
of the contact locations, the accessory-side third tab 230 invariably
contacts the body-side tabs 110, 120 or 130 on the side where its second
side end 232 is located (i.e., at the rear surface 233 near the second
side end 232), rather than on the side where its first side end 231 is
located (i.e., at the rear surface 233 near the first side end 231). In
other words, when contact is achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130
and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 at a total of two contact
locations and the accessory-side third tab 230 achieves contact at one of
the contact locations, the function of preventing erroneous insertion is
achieved in the area near the second side end 232 of the accessory-side
third tab 230. The accessory-side third tab 230 is formed so that the
area near its second side end 232 is positioned in the body-side third
gap 153 without overlapping the body-side third tab 130 when the
photographic lens 2 is mounted at the camera body 1 as shown in FIG. 8.
Namely, when the photographic lens 2 is mounted at the camera body 1, the
area near the second side end 232 of the accessory-side third tab 230
does not directly contribute to locking of the photographic lens 2 to the
camera body 1.

[0122] In addition, as explained earlier, the front surface 234 located
near the first side end 231 of the accessory-side third tab 230 is
pressed by the spring 136 at the body-side third tab 130, and whenever an
excessive external force is applied, the front surface 234 will come into
contact with the contact portion 135. This means that when the
photographic lens 2 is mounted at the camera body 1, the force applied to
lock the photographic lens 2 to the camera body 1 will be applied
primarily to the area near the first side end 231 at the accessory-side
third tab 230.

[0123] In summary, the accessory-side third tab 230 is formed so that
different functions are achieved in the area near the first side end 231
and the area near the second side end 232 along the direction in which
the accessory-side third tab extends.

[0124] --Body-Side First Tab 110--

[0125] When contact is achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the
accessory-side tabs 210, 220 or 230 at a total of two contact locations
with the body-side first tab 110 in contact with an accessory-side tab at
one of the contact locations, the body-side first tab 110 invariably
contacts the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 on the side where its first
side end 111 is located (i.e., at the front surface 113 near the first
side end 111), rather than on the side where the second side end 112 is
located (i.e., at the front surface 113 near its second side end 112). In
other words, when contact is achieved by the body-side tabs 110 to 130
and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 at a total of two contact
locations and the body-side first tab 110 achieves contact at one of the
contact locations, the function of preventing erroneous insertion is
achieved in the area near the first side end 111 of the body-side first
tab 110.

[0126] The spring 116 is disposed adjacent to the contact portion 115 at
the body-side first tab 110 over the area near its second side end 112.
Namely, the function of locking the photographic lens 2 having been
mounted at the camera body 1 is achieved over the area near the second
side end 112 of the body-side first tab 110.

[0127] In summary, the body-side first tab 110 is formed so that different
functions are achieved in the area near the first side end 111 and the
area near the second side end 112 along the direction in which the
body-side first tab 110 extends.

[0128] The camera body 1 and the photographic lens 2 structured as
described above achieve the following advantages.

[0129] (1) Three accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 assuming a uniform size
and disposed over equal intervals and three body-side tabs 110 to 130
assuming a uniform size and disposed over equal intervals will allow the
photographic lens 2 to be mounted at the camera body 1 at a phase other
than the correct interlock phase. Accordingly, the three accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230 are formed in varying sizes and are disposed over varying
intervals and the three body-side tabs 110 to 130 are also formed in
varying sizes and disposed over varying intervals. In addition, even if
the user attempts to insert the photographic lens 2 at a phase other than
the correct interlock phase, at least two tabs among the body-side tabs
110 to 130 and at least two tabs among the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230
come into contact with each other at a total of at least two contact
locations, to disallow insertion of the accessory mount 200 through the
body mount 100. If contact was achieved by a camera accessory mount tab
and a camera body mount tab at a single contact location, the other two
contact-free tabs on the accessory side could assume positions between
camera body-side tabs. In contrast, contact is achieved in the embodiment
by the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230
at least at two contact locations at a phase other than the correct
interlock phase as described above, and consequently, erroneous mounting
of the camera accessory can be reliably prevented.

[0130] (2) The restricting member 262, which comes in contact with the
second side end 122 of the body-side second tab 120 and the first side
end 111 of the body-side first tab 110, restricts the range over which
the photographic lens 2 can be turned along the mounting direction and
the dismounting direction. Since the rotational range of the photographic
lens 2 along the mounting direction and the dismounting direction can be
restricted via a single member assuming a simple shape, the manufacturing
costs of the body mount 100 and the accessory mount 200 can be minimized.

[0131] (3) The restricting member 262 is disposed near a side end of the
accessory-side second tab 220 assuming a smallest length along the
circumference of the accessory mount 200. At the correct interlock phase,
the accessory-side second tab 220 passes through the body-side second gap
152, which extends over an angular range of 47.5° along the
circumferential edge of the circular opening of the camera body 1. In
addition, the mounting angle assumed in the embodiment is 40.5°.
This means that a range over which the restricting member 262 is allowed
to move between the second side end 122 of the body-side second tab 120
and the first side end 111 of the body-side first tab 110 within the
angular range (47.5° of the body-side second gap 152, is
equivalent to the mounting angle. Accordingly, by disposing the
restricting member 262 near a side end of the accessory-side second tab
220 assuming the smallest length along the circumference of the accessory
mount 200, the mounting angle for the mount system constituted with the
body mount 100 and the accessory mount 200 is limited. From a different
perspective, the mounting angle setting can be rationalized as described
below and the sizes of the body-side second gap 152 and the
accessory-side second tab 220 may be regarded to have been set in
correspondence to the mounting angle rationalized as described below. In
any case, these structural features achieve a rational overall structure
with no superfluous structural elements, to contribute toward
minimization of overall weight.

[0132] It is to be noted that at a smaller mounting angle, t the accessory
can be mounted with greater ease, the extent to which electrical contact
points (not shown) at the camera body 1 and at the photographic lens 2
slide against each other can be reduced and the extent of wear of the
electrical contact points occurring whenever the photographic lens 2 is
exchanged can be reduced. However, if the mounting angle is very small,
tabs engaged with each other may become inadvertently disengaged from
each other, and in such a case, the photographic lens 2 may fall from the
camera body. At the same time, the body mount 100 must assume a certain
circumferential dimension in order to accommodate the springs 116, 126
and 136, the contact portions 115, 125 and 135 and the tapered surfaces
117, 127 and 137. Moreover, a sufficient mounting angle is required to
ensure that the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 are allowed to reliably
engage the springs 116, 126 and 136 and the contact portions 115, 125 and
135 over the tapered surfaces 117, 127 and 137. The mounting angle of
40.5° adopted in the embodiment has been determined by taking into
consideration all these factors.

[0133] (4) While the weight distribution of the photographic lens 2 is
such that the photographic lens 2 tends to pull down on its front side
(subject side), the forces applied from the springs 116, 126 and 136
sustain the accessory-side mount reference surface 201 in contact with
the body mount reference surface 101 under typical operating conditions.
However, if an external force exceeding the force of the springs, working
along a direction matching that of gravity is applied to the photographic
lens 2 in a photographing state with the camera body 1 in the upright
attitude fixed to, for instance, a tripod, the spring 116 of the
uppermost body-side first tab 110 will flex further to allow the front
surface 214 of the accessory-side first tab 210 to come in contact with
the contact portion 115 of the body-side first tab 110.

[0134]FIG. 16 illustrates this condition. It is to be noted that the
clearances and the like formed between the individual parts are
exaggerated in FIG. 16 so as to provide a clear illustration. In the
state shown in FIG. 16, the accessory-side mount reference surface 201
and the body mount reference surface 101 are in contact with each other
at a point PD on the lower side, the front surface 214 of the
accessory-side first tab 210 and the contact portion 115 of the body-side
first tab 110 are in contact with each other at a point PU on the upper
side as described above and the weight of the photographic lens 2 and the
external force applied to the photographic lens 2 are supported at these
two points. Accordingly, the force applied to the two points PD and PU
can be reduced by maximizing the vertical distance LS, along the
direction of gravitational force, between the two points PD and PU.

[0135] This situation will not arise in a normal photographing condition
unless an unintended external force is applied. However, the photographic
lens 2, which normally assumes a cylindrical shape, tends to come into
contact with various objects in real-world usage, may be employed in a
range of circumstances. For this reason, a condition shown in FIG. 6 may
be expected to arise fairly often and, therefore it is important to
devise measures to effectively address the issues arising from such
circumstances.

[0136] FIGS. 17 through 19 each indicate the contact points PD and PU and
the distance LS corresponding to a specific attitude assumed by the
camera body 1. It is to be noted that the camera body 1 assumes the
upright attitude (lateral orientation) in FIG. 17, with the distance LS
and the contact points PD and PU corresponding to this attitude
respectively notated as LS1, PD1 and PU1. The camera body 1 assumes a
longitudinal orientation in FIG. 18 achieved by turning the left side of
the camera body 1 upward, with the distance LS and the contact points PD
and PU corresponding to the upright attitude respectively notated as LS2,
PD2 and PU2. The camera body 1 assumes a longitudinal orientation in FIG.
19 achieved by turning the right side of the camera body 1 upward, with
the distance LS and the contact points PD and PU corresponding to the
particular attitude respectively notated as LS3, PD3 and PU3. The
distance LS1 assumed in the lateral orientation in FIG. 17 and the
distance LS2 assumed in the longitudinal orientation in FIG. 18 are both
substantially equal to the diameter of the body mount 100. However, the
distance LS3 in the longitudinal orientation shown in FIG. 19 is markedly
smaller than the distances LS1 and LS2.

[0137] For this reason, at a given level of external force applied to the
photographic lens 2, the level of force working at PU3 will be greater
than the levels of force working at PU1 and PU2.

[0138] Accordingly, the body-side third tab 130 is formed so as to assume
a greater length along the circumferential direction compared to the
body-side first tab 110 and the body-side second tab 120 in the
embodiment. Greater strength is thus assured for the body-side third tab
130 over the body-side first tab 110 and the body-side second tab 120. In
addition, the accessory-side third tab 230 at the accessory mount 200,
which is to come into contact with the contact portion 135 (i.e., PU3)
when the photographic lens 2 is fully mounted, is formed to achieve a
greater length along the circumferential direction than the
accessory-side first tab 210 and the accessory-side second tab 220.
Consequently, since ample strength is assured at the body-side third tab
130 and the accessory-side third tab 230, the body-side third tab 130 and
the accessory-side third tab 230, which are to be subjected to the
highest levels of force, will remain intact even when the camera body 1
assumes the longitudinal orientation shown in FIG. 19.

[0139] As described above, the advantage of reliably disallowing erroneous
insertion at a phase other than the correct interlock phase and the
advantage of assuring sufficient strength for the accessory mount 200 and
the body mount 100 when the photographic lens 2 having been inserted at
the correct interlock phase is fully mounted can both be achieved through
the embodiment described above.

[0140] (5) As explained earlier, different functions are achieved in the
area near the first side end 231 and in the area near the second side end
232 along the direction in which the accessory-side third tab 230
extends. As a result, the durability of the accessory-side third tab 230
is improved. The accessory-side third tab 230, where the application of
force at PU3 occurs when the camera body 1 assumes the longitudinal
orientation with the right side thereof turned upward, is subjected to
the highest level of force. With the durability of this accessory-side
third tab 230 coming under the heaviest onus improved as described above,
the durability and the reliability of the accessory mount 200 itself are
improved.

[0141] (6) As explained earlier, different functions are achieved in the
area near the first side end 111 and in the area near the second side end
112 along the direction in which the body-side first tab 110 extends. The
durability of the body-side first tab 110 is thus improved. The body-side
first tab 110, where the spring 116, which, under the weight of the
photographic lens 2, is subjected to a more significant and continuous
onus compared to the other springs 126 and 136, and the application of
force occurs at Pu1 as described earlier when the camera body 1 assumes
the typical lateral orientation, is subjected to an onus most frequently.
Since the durability of the body-side first tab 110 coming under the most
frequent onus is improved, the durability and the reliability of the body
mount 100 itself are improved.

[0142] (7) The contact portion 115 is set substantially at the top center
of the body mount 100 viewed from the front side in the structure
achieved in the embodiment and thus, a large value can be set for LS1
mentioned earlier. As a result, the level of force applied at the contact
point PU1 can be reduced, which improves the durability of the body-side
first tab 110 and effectively prevents the photographic lens 2 from
drooping down at its front side. At the same time, the body-side first
tab 110 is set at the top center of the body mount 100 viewed from the
front side and, as a result, sufficient strength is assured for the
contact portion 115. As a result, the durability of the body-side first
tab 110 is improved. This ultimately leads to improvements both in the
durability and in the reliability of the body mount 100.

[0143] (8) As indicated in FIG. 16, the lower areas of the rear surfaces
of the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the lower areas of the front
surfaces of the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 come into contact with
each other least readily. This means that there is not a significant need
for having the body-side tabs 110 to 130 and the accessory-side tabs 210
to 230 come into contact with each other over these areas. Accordingly,
the largest body-side third gap 153 in the embodiment is positioned on
the lower side of the body mount 100, as illustrated in FIG. 5. This, in
turn, ensures that the body-side tabs 110 to 130 can be positioned in a
highly rational configuration.

[0144] (9) The following is the rationale for disposing the accessory-side
tabs 210 to 230 at the specific positions indicated in FIG. 6. Namely, it
is desirable to assure a high degree of strength with a greater length
assumed along the circumferential direction at the accessory-side first
tab 210, which is positioned at the top center when the photographic lens
2 is mounted at the camera body 1 assuming the lateral orientation.
However, since the largest body-side third gap 153 is set on the lower
side of the body mount 100, as described earlier, the accessory-side
third tab 230, which passes through the body-side third gap 153 when the
accessory mount is inserted at the correct interlock phase, is formed to
range over the greatest length along the circumferential direction.
Accordingly, the accessory-side first tab 210 is formed to range over a
second largest length along the circumferential direction. The
accessory-side second tab 220, which is not subjected to as many
requirements, is formed so as to extend over a smallest range along the
circumferential direction. The accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 formed as
described above can be disposed with a high level of rationality.

[0145] --Variations--

[0146] (1) While the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 are fixed onto the
main body of the photographic lens 2 and the photographic lens 2 is
mounted or dismounted by turning it along the mounting direction or the
dismounting direction relative to the camera body 1 in the embodiment
described above, the present invention is not limited to this example.
For instance, the present invention may be adopted in conjunction with a
structure that includes accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 rotatably disposed
relative to the main body of the photographic lens 2 and allows the
photographic lens 2 to be mounted at the camera body 1 simply by rotating
the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 alone along the mounting direction
once the photographic lens 2 is positioned at the correct interlock
phase.

[0147] FIG. 20 presents external views of a photographic lens 20 with
accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 formed thereat so that they are able to
rotate relative to the main body of the photographic lens 2. The
photographic lens 20 includes a lens barrel 21, a bayonet tube 22
disposed rotatably relative to the lens barrel 21, at which
accessory-side tabs 210 to 230 are disposed, and an operation ring 23 via
which the bayonet tube 22 is rotated relative to the lens barrel 21. It
is to be noted that in FIG. 20 and other figures in reference to which
the following description is provided, the same reference numerals are
assigned to members similar to those already described so as to preclude
the necessity for a repeated explanation thereof.

[0148]FIG. 21 presents an external view of the lens barrel 21, whereas
FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the structure of the photographic lens
20. As shown in FIG. 21, a fitting groove 21a at which the operation ring
23 fits is formed at the rear of the lens barrel 21. An elongated hole
21b, through which a pin 24 connecting the operation ring 23 with the
bayonet tube 22 is allowed to move, is formed at the bottom of the
fitting groove 21a. As indicated in the sectional views presented in
FIGS. 22(a) and 22(d), the operation ring 23 fits into the fitting groove
21a at the lens barrel 21 and the operation ring 23 and the bayonet tube
22 are linked with each other via the pin 24. Reference numeral 25
indicates a lens. As the operation ring 23 is rotated relative to the
lens barrel 21 in the photographic lens 20 structured as described above,
the bayonet tube 22, i.e., the accessory-side tabs 210 to 230, turns
together with the operation ring 23 relative to the lens barrel 21. The
photographic lens 20 assuming this structure can be mounted at the camera
body 1 without having to turn the lens barrel 21, by simply operating the
operation ring 23 to turn the bayonet tube 22 alone along the mounting
direction once the photographic lens 20 is positioned at the correct
interlock phase. It is to be noted that FIG. 22(d) is a sectional view
taken along C-C in FIG. 22(a).

[0149] (2) The photographic lenses 2 and 20 described above each represent
an example of the camera accessory. The present invention is not limited
to these examples and may be adopted in conjunction with any of various
types of camera accessories such as a converter lens used to adjust the
focal length or an adapter used to adjust the distance from the
photographic lens mount surface to the image capturing plane, as long as
it includes an accessory mount 200, which can be engaged with a body
mount 100.

[0150] (3) While the restricting member 262 described above is headed pin
disposed at the accessory mount 200, an area near the second side end
222, for instance, may be formed in a specific shape so as to function as
a restricting member 262, without installing a separate member. Namely,
an area near the second side end 222 may be formed to assume a shape that
will allow the area to function as a restricting member 262 through
injection molding at an accessory mount 200 constituted with a resin
injection mold.

[0151] (4) The body mount 100 described above may be disposed at the
photographic lens 2 and the accessory mount 200 described above may be
disposed at the camera body 1.

[0152] (5) Various embodiments and variations described above may be
adopted in combination.

[0153] It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to
specific structural features of the embodiments described above in any
way whatsoever and that a camera accessory that can be detachably engaged
with a camera body, adopting any of various structures and equipped with
an accessory-side mount assuming a bayonet structure with first through
third tabs set over intervals along the circumferential direction and
projecting from an inner side of the circumference toward the outer side,
characterized in that the accessory-side mount is allowed to be inserted
through the camera body mount disposed at the camera body without any of
the first through third tabs coming into contact with any of three camera
body-side tabs at the camera body mount, as long as the accessory-side
mount is inserted at the camera body mount at the correct interlock
phase, that insertion of the accessory-side mount through the camera body
mount is disallowed at a phase other than the correct interlock phase as
at least two tabs among the first through third tabs come into contact
with at least two of the camera body-side tabs, that the first through
third tabs extend along the circumferential direction over varying
lengths, with the first tab extending over the greatest length along the
circumferential direction, that the first through third tabs include
first side ends which are leading ends of the first through third tabs
rotated in a mounting direction along the circumferential direction to
engage the accessory-side mount inserted at the correct interlock phase
with the camera body mount, and second side ends located on a side
opposite from the first side ends, and that when the first tab and either
the second or third tab come into contact with two of the camera
body-side tabs at a total of two contact locations, contact achieved by
the first tab is located near its second side end, and an accessory mount
adopting any of various structures, which may be included in the camera
accessory, are all within the scope of the present invention.

[0154] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to specific
structural features of the embodiments described above in any way
whatsoever and that a camera accessory that can be detachably engaged
with a camera body, adopting any of various structures and equipped with
an accessory-side mount assuming a bayonet structure with first through
third tabs set over intervals along the circumferential direction and
projecting from an inner side of the circumference toward an outer side,
characterized in that the accessory-side mount is allowed to be inserted
through the camera body mount disposed at the camera body without any of
the first through third tabs coming into contact with any of three camera
body-side tabs at the camera body mount, as long as the accessory-side
mount is inserted at the camera body mount at the correct interlock
phase, that insertion of the accessory-side mount through the camera body
mount is disallowed at a phase other than the correct interlock phase as
at least two tabs among the first through third tabs come into contact
with at least two of the camera body-side tabs, that the first tab at the
accessory-side mount having been inserted at the correct interlock phase
and engaged with the camera body mount overlaps a camera body-side tab
assuming the uppermost position when the camera body is set in a
longitudinal orientation achieved by rotating the upright camera body
assuming a lateral orientation by approximately 90°, that the
first through third tabs include first side ends which are leading ends
of the first through third tabs rotated in the mounting direction along
the circumferential direction to engage the accessory-side mount inserted
at the correct interlock phase with the camera body mount and second side
ends located on a side opposite from the first side ends and that when
the first tab and either the second or third tab come into contact with
two of the camera body-side tabs at a total of two contact locations,
contact achieved by the first tab is located near its second side end,
and an accessory mount adopting any of various structures, which may be
included in the camera accessory, are all within the scope of the present
invention.

[0155] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited in any way
whatsoever by the specific details of the embodiment described above and
a camera body adopting any of various structures and equipped with a body
mount adopting a bayonet structure with first through third tabs, set
over intervals along a circumferential edge of a circular opening at the
camera body and projecting from an outer side of a circular opening
circumference toward an inner side, characterized in that the body mount
allows an accessory-side mount disposed at the camera accessory to be
inserted thereat without any of the first through third tabs coming into
contact with any of three accessory-side tabs at the accessory-side
mount, as long as the accessory-side mount is inserted at a correct
interlock phase, that insertion of the accessory-side mount is disallowed
at a phase other than the correct interlock phase as at least two tabs
among the first through third tabs and at least two of the accessory-side
tabs come into contact with each other, that the first tab assumes an
uppermost position when the camera body is set upright in a lateral
orientation, that the first through third tabs include first side ends,
which are leading ends in a mounting direction in which the
accessory-side tabs are rotated along the circumference of the opening in
order to engage the accessory-side mount inserted at the correct
interlock phase with the body mount, and second side ends, located on a
side opposite from the first side ends, and that when the first tab and
either the second or third tab come into contact with two of the
accessory-side tabs at a total of two contact locations, a contact area
at the first tab includes an area near its first side end, and a body
mount adopting any of various structures that may be included in the
camera body, are within the scope of the present invention.

[0156] The above described embodiments are examples and various
modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention.